Capacitors in series and parallel

AI Thread Summary
When two identical capacitors are connected in parallel, the potential difference across each capacitor is equal to the battery voltage (V), and each capacitor stores half the total charge (q/2). In contrast, when connected in series, the potential difference across each capacitor is half the battery voltage (V/2), while the total charge on each capacitor remains equal to the total charge (q). The discussion emphasizes the concepts of voltage as a potential difference and the conservation of charge. It clarifies that voltage is a function of the region between capacitor plates, while charge is conserved like mass. Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping the behavior of capacitors in different configurations.
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A battery of potential V stores charge q on a combintation of two identical capacitors. What are the potential difference across and the charge on either capacitor if the capacitors are (a) in parallel (b) iin series?

I know the answers to these questions but I'm trying to understand the conceptul ideas behind this question. The answers are:

(a) V, q/2

(b) V/2, q


Any ideas?
 
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Do you understand the concepts behind parallel vs. series capacitors?
 
andrewchang said:
Do you understand the concepts behind parallel vs. series capacitors?

Yes I do, but could you elaborate a little?
 
anyone else have any inuput?
 
Voltage is potential difference . (V_C - V_B) + (V_B - V_A) = (V_C - V_A).

Charge is conserved, just like mass is.
 
lightgrav said:
Voltage is potential difference . (V_C - V_B) + (V_B - V_A) = (V_C - V_A).

Charge is conserved, just like mass is.

What does the 'B' stand for ?
 
A, B, C are locations. Potential (V) is a function of location.
Voltage, a potential DIFFERENCE, is a function of a REGION (Capacitor gap).

with Capacitors in series, A is bottom plate, C is top plate, B is either middle plate.
 

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